NSW government approves $96 million in projects for drought hit regions

NSW government approves $96 million in projects for drought hit regions
Staff reporterDecember 7, 2020

Regional NSW towns are set for a boost, with the state government fast-tracking a swathe of new projects.

Some 22 major shovel ready projects will receive a total of $96 million from the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said.

“Farmers are being hit hard by drought and the impact of this drought is now reaching into our towns and cities, so it’s vital to support off-farm industries by driving business activity and generating new opportunities,” Barilaro said. 

“This funding will keep people in work by putting dollars into pay packets, cash that tradies, suppliers and other workers will spend at local businesses such as cafes, retail stores and local services to keep money flowing through towns when rivers are not. 

“Regional NSW is struggling through one of the worst droughts on record and every day the crippling impact extends further beyond the farm gate, so I’m pleased to announce these projects just one month after the stimulus package was announced.”

Projects to receive funding include a $4.25 million upgrade of four major road routes in Singleton LGA and $6.5 million for Scone Regional Airport upgrades.

Barilaro said further announcements will be made at Dubbo, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar, Broken Hill, Orange, Bathurst, Gunnedah, Deniliquin, Merimbula, Hilltops LGA and Queanbeyan. 

“It’s important everyone in the bush, our farmers, families and businesses, know what NSW Government support is available to them, which is why I will personally deliver this new funding information to regional towns in the coming days,” Barilaro said.

The next set of projects to be funded from the Drought Stimulus Package is currently being assessed. 

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